ISO/IEC 17025:2017 · clause 6.6
A test result is only as sound as the calibration service behind it.
The standard for testing and calibration laboratories requires defined criteria for external supplies, their evaluation and records of it – with no exemption for small amounts.
Clause 6.6 covers externally provided products and services that affect laboratory activities: calibration services, reference materials, consumables that influence results, maintenance of equipment and the subcontracting of tests to other laboratories.
In Switzerland the standard is widely embedded through SAS accreditation – from materials testing and food analysis to medical laboratories. Assessment looks at the records: criteria defined, evaluation performed, result retained.
What is regularly missing
- Calibration services with no documented assessment of their accreditation and its scope.
- Reference materials without evidence of traceability.
- Subcontracted testing without evidence of the performing laboratory’s competence.
- Requirements never explicitly communicated to the provider.
What the standard requires
- 6.6.1
- Ensure only suitable externally provided products and services are used.
- 6.6.2
- Procedures for defining, selecting, evaluating and re-evaluating providers.
- 6.6.2
- Retain records of evaluations, selection, performance monitoring and actions.
- 6.6.3
- Communicate requirements to the provider, competence and qualification included.
- 7.1
- When subcontracting, inform the customer and obtain their agreement.
How SCRM covers it
Provider classes
Calibration, reference materials and subcontracting assessed separately, with their own criteria.
Accreditation as evidence
With scope and expiry – scope is where it usually breaks.
Re-evaluation on a cycle
Due assessments appear as tasks, not intentions.
Records for assessment
An extract instead of a search across several stores.
Frequently asked
Does this cover consumables?
Once they affect the validity of results, yes. You must define and justify the boundary – influence decides, not price.
Must the calibration service be accredited?
Not necessarily, but traceability must be ensured and evidenced. Accreditation is the simplest route there.
How does 17025 relate to ISO 9001?
The structure is similar, but 17025 adds requirements on technical competence and traceability. The supplier data is the same.